Durham, NH Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Durham, NH

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Durham crime rate is 84% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Durham, there were 9 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 58 per 100,000 individuals, 84.4% lower than the national average. Additionally, Durham recorded 49 property crimes, amounting to 315 per 100,000 residents, 83.9% lower than the U.S. average.

Durham has a crime rate of 373, which is considerably less than the national average of 2324. This results in Durham being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.

Durham has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 58 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Durham ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

In the latest reported crime year, Durham recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Durham has a property crime rate of 315 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1954. This is a good indicator that Durham is a safe place to live.

Is Durham a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Durham a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Durham crime rate is 84% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.16 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.13 property crimes.

Has Crime in Durham Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Durham. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Durham has decreased by 3.3%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 47.1%, while property crime has decreased by 14%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Durham.

Potential Causes for Crime in Durham

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Durham crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Durham has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Durham, the cost of living is 28.5% higher than the national average.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Durham stands at $373,100, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Durham crime map